The Half Moon is a pose of concentration and balance that fires the nerves of your brain. The pose is as much about balance and stability as it is about strength. It works every part of your legs and buttocks and also strengthens your arms. The Half Moon will leave your body and mind fully invigorated.

Strap on your ankle weights and follow these steps:

1. Kneel on your left leg, put your right hand on your right hip, and support your upper body with your left arm; make sure your left wrist is directly under your shoulder. Put padding under your left knee if you need it.

2. Raise your right leg to the height of your hip, keeping it straight and extended outward, as you open your trunk to the right. This is the starting position. Sculpt your belly in and up so that your abdominal muscles help support you in this position. You should be looking to your right.

3. Exhaling to a count of four, lower your right foot to the ground as you turn your head to look down. Keep your right foot flexed and engaged throughout this step. You can lower your right leg halfway if bringing it to the floor is too difficult.

4. Inhaling to a count of four, raise your right leg and turn your head to the starting position. Move slowly while you concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing.

Do this exercise six to eight times, pause to rest, and then do another six to eight repetitions.